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Solo Flight in the Sport-Jet

Submitted by Ron Mcelroy, Experimental Test Pilot

Ron McElroy Experimental Test Pilot

Flying Qualities

The Sport-Jet flight control system produced handling qualities that were very light and predictable for the pilot, with no adverse tendencies in pitch, roll, or yaw. As such, overall control harmony was excellent. Therefore, the Sport-Jet will be easy to train new and veteran pilots alike in the flight characteristics from slow flight to high-speed cruise.

In turns, the Sport-Jet was very stable, with no tendency to over or under bank on its own. A limited evaluation of aileron flutter found that none existed.

Climbing or descending required only a minimum of elevator input and elevator trim, with no observed tendency for pitch excursions with changes in thrust. In addition, the extension or retraction of the landing gear required only minimal pilot inputs to maintain pitch attitude. The use of flaps and air brakes also required only minimal pilot inputs to maintain pitch attitude. A limited study of flutter proved that none existed. Overall, the pitch stability was very good, with no adverse tendencies observed. In particular, elevator control movement and forces were easy to manage during both takeoff and landing.

Performance

Takeoff performance in the light-weight prototype was always under 2,000 feet takeoff distance, even when using reduced thrust. One particular climbout from the high altitude airport at Colorado Springs resulted in being 3,000 feet above the ground prior to reaching the end of the runway. Successive climbouts using up to 160 knots indicated airspeed produced consistent climb rates well above 2,000 feet per minute.

Limited cruise performance evaluations were conducted up to approximately 250 knots true airspeed using only partial thrust. Analysis of the excess thrust validated the expected high speed cruise capability in excess of 340 knots true airspeed.

The Williams FJ-33 engine proved itself to be a remarkably simple engine to operate in all flight regimes. The FADEC provided quick and predictable responses to pilot thrust lever movements and operated throughout the flight test envelope with no adverse tendencies noted. This engine was 100% reliable, provided excellent thrust, and was remarkably easy to operate.

In short, the Sport-Jet demonstrated phenomenal performance capability. In my opinion, it will be a top performer among its competition in both time-to-climb and cruise.

Summary

The Sport-Jet flying qualities and performance validate a) the Sport-Jet will met or exceed stated performance specifications and b)the aircraft should complete flight testing and certification under FAR 23.

Ron McElroy is an experimental test pilot, trained at the Edwards AFB, CA Test Pilot School. He has flown nearly 10,000 hours in over 100 types of aircraft during a 30 year career as a USAF pilot, civilian instructor pilot, and airline pilot. He has flown 13 flights in the Sport-Jet, including initial taxi tests, engine runs, and the first 8 flights. He currently is a senior flight instructor for United Air Line.